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Chimney fires can be prevented
Keep it clean
Your chimney must be kept clean to prevent fires and structural
damage to your property. Clean chimneys also help the environment
by assisting the complete combustion of the fuel, reducing emissions
in the atmosphere. Regular cleaning of your chimney or flues eliminates
the build-up of soot and clears obstructions such as bird and animal
nests, leaves and debris.
Using a vacuum cleaner alone is not sufficient to clean the chimney
properly. Ensure your chimney flue is inspected at regular intervals
to prevent fire breaking out of the chimney. Fireguards can prevent
serious injury or death. Spark guards can prevent a serious fire
in your property.
Chimneys using:
• Smokeless fuels should be swept at least once a year.
• Bituminous coal should be swept at least once a year.
• Wood, every 3 months when in use.
• Oil, once a year
• Gas, once a year.
Make sure you are not at risk from carbon monoxide poisoning by
having appliances installed and serviced by competent engineers
.Fit a carbon monoxide detector and never block air bricks, vents
or flues.
Fire prevention
• Don’t use flammable liquids such as petrol or paraffin
to light your fire.
• Don’t burn paper or rubbish.
• Do not overload the fire with fuel.
• Go into the loft occasionally when the fire is alight to
check for smoke from cracks, defective brickwork or mortar joints.
If a chimney fire happens:
• Dial 999 and ask for the Fire & Rescue Service.
• Alert other people in the house.
• Leave the room, closing the door behind you and wait for
the Fire & Rescue Service to arrive.
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